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Does Your Costume Use Cosmetic Contact Lenses? Please Read This.

The General Optical Council (GOC) has issued a warning to the public that they may be putting their sight at risk by using cosmetic contact lenses this Halloween.

Speaking to the magazine of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, TS Today, which will be published in the November issue, the GOC warns that wearers are putting their eye health at risk by buying lenses from non-optical outlets, such as novelty shops or market stalls. These cosmetic contact lenses are often made and distributed on a 'one size fits all' basis and not tailored to the wearer's needs which can increase the risk of eye health issues.

“To minimize these risks it is essential that cosmetic lenses are fitted by a qualified professional who is able to provide advice on their safe use and ongoing care. We would advise against buying products like these online, or from retailers, as without professional supervision, there are more likely to be health concerns for the individual.”

The GOC’s director of strategy, Alistair Bridge, has also said: “Cosmetic contact lenses should not be supplied by anyone other than an optician or doctor. Opticians make sure that contact lenses fit properly and that wearers receive expert advice on how to wear and store them safely.”

Young people are also known to share them leading to an increased risk of serious problems occurring including, corneal ulcers and infections, that can lead to vision impairment. They should avoid using these lenses and parents should be wise to the risks.